Tusla must confirm if it went ahead with a major reform programme despite serious concerns being raised by more than 100 senior staff, according to Social Democrats Children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly said:
“A letter sent to the Tusla CEO by principal social workers sets out a catalogue of serious concerns with a reform programme, set to be rolled out on January 1.
“In the letter, dated November 11 2025, senior staff outlined their fears that proposed changes could endanger children and said they remained in the dark about some of the reform measures.
“It is hugely concerning that principal social workers had such grave concerns mere weeks before this reform programme was set to be rolled out.
“Meanwhile, huge questions remain about the nature and scale of this reform programme, its impact on staff and vulnerable children – and even whether it has been fully rolled out.
“It is completely unacceptable that so many questions remain about organisational reforms of this scale which could have such profoundly negative impacts.
“The Tusla CEO must now respond to these concerns and provide further clarifications regarding the reform programme.
“It’s crucial that any clarification is detailed and considered and that resourcing and timelines are clearly outlined and appropriate.”
January 8th, 2025